A man facing a murder charge in the intentional killing of his friend by running him down with an SUV now faces new charges after a scuffle with a deputy, according to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened while Sandy Lynn Westmoreland was being booked on a murder charge in the death of Michael D. Daniels, 53. Daniels' body was found on Skylyn Drive in front of Mary Black Hospital.

Advertisement

Late Thursday afternoon while Detention Center Deputy Richard Woody was attempting to fingerprint him, Westmoreland made several profane comments during the procedure, according to an incident report. He then proceeded to assault the deputy by slapping him in the neck and face, sheriff's office representative Tony Ivey said. Westmoreland also tore the collar of Woody's uniform shirt and broke the Woody's watch during the attack, Ivey said.

Woody immediately took Westmoreland to the ground in order to restrain him, Ivey said.

Westmoreland was handcuffed and placed in a holding cell until he calmed down, said Ivey.

Westmoreland was charged with one count each of second-degree assault and battery and malicious injury to personal property valued at $2,000 or less.

About two hours after the incident, Westmoreland complained to Detention Center staff that one of his arms hurt, Ivey said. He was transported to a local hospital where he was checked out by a doctor, then released and returned to the Detention Center.

Earlier in the day, Westmoreland confessed to investigators that he had run down Daniels with his Ford Explorer.

Westmoreland told investigators that he and Daniels had gotten into an argument Wednesday evening while at Mary Black Hospital.

He as charged with murder in that case, which is still under investigation.